convert

¹

[kuhn-vurt, kon-vurt]

verb (used with object)

1. to change (something) into a different form or properties; transmute; transform.

2. to cause to adopt a different religion, political doctrine, opinion, etc..

   to convert the heathen.

   Synonyms: proselytize

3. to turn to another or a particular use or purpose; divert from the original or intended use.

   They converted the study into a nursery for the baby.

4. to modify (something) so as to serve a different function.

   to convert an automobile factory to the manufacture of tanks.

5. to obtain an equivalent value for in an exchange or calculation, as money or units of measurement.

   to convert bank notes into gold; to convert yards into meters.

6. Finance.,  to exchange voluntarily (a bond or preferred stock) into another security, usually common stock, because of the greater value of the latter.

7. to change in character; cause to turn from an evil life to a righteous one.

   to convert a criminal.

8. Chemistry.,  to cause (a substance) to undergo a chemical change.

   to convert sugar into alcohol.

9. to invert or transpose.

10. Law.

    1. to assume unlawful rights of ownership of (personal property).

    2. to change the form of (property), as from realty to personalty or vice versa.

11. to appropriate wrongfully to one's own use.

12. Logic.,  to transpose the subject and predicate of (a proposition) by conversion.

13. Computers.,  to subject to conversion.

verb (used without object)

1. to become converted.

2. Football.,  to make a conversion.

noun

1. one who has been converted, as to a religion or opinion.

   Synonyms: neophyte, proselyte, novice

convert

²

[kon-vurt]

noun

Informal.

1. a convertible automobile.

2. a convertible bond.

convert

verb

1. to change or adapt the form, character, or function of; transform

2. to cause (someone) to change in opinion, belief, etc

3. to change (a person or his way of life, etc) for the better

4. (intr) to admit of being changed (into)

   the table converts into a tray

5. (also intr) to change or be changed into another chemical compound or physical state

   to convert water into ice

6. law

   1. to assume unlawful proprietary rights over (personal property)

   2. to change (property) from realty into personalty or vice versa

7. (also intr) rugby to make a conversion after (a try)

8. logic to transpose the subject and predicate of (a proposition) by conversion

9. to change (a value or measurement) from one system of units to another

10. to exchange (a security or bond) for something of equivalent value

noun

1. a person who has been converted to another belief, religion, etc

Other Word Forms

• convertive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of convert¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English verb converten, from Latin convertere “to change completely,” equivalent to con- intensive prefix + vertere “to turn”; noun convert replacing converse, Middle English convers, ultimately from Latin conversus; converse ², verse ¹

Origin of convert²

By shortening of convertible

Word History and Origins

Origin of convert¹

C13: from Old French convertir, from Latin convertere to turn around, alter, transform, from vertere to turn

Synonym Study

See transform.

Example Sentences

This time, in a nationally televised matchup with the Baltimore Ravens, Johnston dropped a fourth-quarter pass that would’ve converted a critical third down.

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In boiling water, the vegetable’s starches begin to convert to sugars, bringing out a natural sweetness.

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But I did wonder: Could a leaf-blower convert still honor her commitment to sustainable gardening?

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Ullah pays $700 a month to live at a former office building that was converted to a living and workspace for about 20 residents.

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Cracker Barrel is now converting those restaurants back to more traditional formats.

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Related Words

• apply 
• download 
• modify 
• remodel 
• reorganize 
• switch 
• transform 
• translate 
• turn